Fidel Castro regrets not paying attention to gays in Cuba

London, Sept 2 (ANI): Former Cuban president Fidel Castro has revealed that he regrets not paying enough attention to the injustice against homosexuals during his rule in the 1960s and 70s.

According to Mexican newspaper La Jornada, Castro, 84, said that there was no one but him to blame, as he was busy with other political issues.

"I found myself primarily immersed in the October Crisis (the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962), in war, in political issues," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

"Avoiding the CIA, which bought so many traitors, was not easy, but if anyone has to take responsibility, I take mine. I will not hold anyone else responsible," he stated.

Like other Cubans, including some priests, considered "ideological deviants," homosexuals in the 1960s were sent to labour camps for re-education and rehabilitation.

In the 1970s, gay artists and writers were routinely disgraced, marginalized, or in some cases driven into exile.

"Yes, there were moments of great injustice - great injustice," Castro said.

"I am trying to narrow my responsibility in all of this, because of course personally I have no such prejudice against homosexuals," he added. (ANI)